Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer

Liver transplantation can be a good option for patients diagnosed with primary liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. In the US, 10,659 liver transplants were carried out in 2023, a 71% increase over the past decade. While alcohol-associated liver disease is the most common reason for a liver transplant, around 10% of transplants treat primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Eligibility for a liver transplant may vary depending on age, health status and extent of liver disease or cancer.

Guidelines such as the Milan criteria assess factors like tumor size, invasion of liver blood vessels by tumor, and cancer spread outside the liver. These guidelines help doctors to determine if one is suitable for a liver transplant and optimize survival.

If you have liver cancer, take the time to talk to your doctor and learn more about your eligibility for liver transplant.

Liver transplants for liver cancer patients facing hepatocellular carcinoma have shown promising outcomes. According to a study in the US, even with large or multiple tumors, the average liver transplant survival rate is 52.1% after 10 years, with a recurrence rate of around 20.6%.

If liver cancer is left untreated, median survival can range from 6 months to 38 months (around 3 years and 2 months), depending on how advanced your liver cancer is.

While liver transplantation offers hope, it is not without risks. These include:

• Surgical complications — Liver transplant surgery is complex and lengthy, with a high risk of bleeding due to the liver’s vascular nature.
• Organ rejection — The immune system may reject the new liver, necessitating lifelong immunosuppressive medications to reduce the risk.
• Infections — Immunosuppressive drugs weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections post-surgery.

The benefits of liver transplantation often outweigh the risks for eligible patients:

• The potential for a complete cure of liver cancer
• Enhanced liver function with a new healthy organ
• Improved quality of life and life expectancy

Learn more: What to Expect During and After A Liver Transplant

Liver transplantation is a major surgery. The waiting process for a suitable donor may be filled with anxiety. Preparing for this journey is key to ensuring a successful recovery.

Learn more: How to Prepare for A Liver Transplant

Recovering from liver transplantation and liver cancer is a journey that requires ongoing care. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor your recovery and prevent complications. From blood tests and wound care to treatment adjustments, every step plays an important role.

Learn more: A Recovery Guide After a Liver Transplant